GPs criticised for charging medical card holders for blood tests
A number of GPs have been charging medical card patients up to €20 for a blood test, despite the fact that the service is covered by the terms of the General Medical Services contract.
Those who refused to pay the charge were directed by their GP to their local hospital where the tests are free.
Age Action said the charges had caused financial hardship for many patients who had to pay for the tests,
Dr Reilly said blood tests forming part of the investigation and necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions should be provided free of charge to medical card and GP visit card holders.
He pointed out that in many GP surgeries, it was the practice nurse who took blood samples.
Dr Reilly added that the Health Service Executive (HSE) significantly subsidised the cost of employing practice nurses.
He said: “If the HSE is made aware of specific cases where GMS patients are being charged by GP contractors, it will arrange to have such cases investigated as appropriate.”
Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said the charity did not believe the onus should be on patients to report their GP for breaking the terms of their contract with the GP.
“We have urged the HSE to write to GPs to remind them of the terms of their contract and to warn that the HSE would be working to ensure that they complied with these terms,” he said.
Age Action member Paddy McKenna agreed that the patient should not need to act as a watchdog for the HSE.
“While Minister Reilly’s clarification is a welcome first step, it is the minister himself who must instruct the HSE to publicly clarify the position with all GPs,” he stressed.
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